How to Get More HDMI Ports on TV

Introduction:

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you’re like most people and have at least one HDMI port on your TV. But what if you want to connect more devices? What if you have a gaming console, a streaming device, and a Blu-ray player that all need to be plugged in at the same time? You can get more HDMI ports on your TV. Read on to find out how.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There are a few different ways to get more HDMI ports on your TV. One of the simplest and most affordable ways is to buy an HDMI switch. These come with up to seven ports that can be switched by remote control or buttons on the box itself. This means that you can have multiple devices connected to your TV at the same time- like a gaming console, set-top box and Blu-ray player- and easily switch between them with the press of a button.

An HDMI splitter is not the same as a switch, and should not be used in its place. An HDMI splitter takes up one HDMI connection and casts the media from your TV onto multiple screens. This is great if you want to watch the same thing on multiple TVs, but it does not increase the number of ports on your TV.

Dealing with Port Scarcity

HDMI ports are something we tend to take for granted, until we don’t have enough of them. And then we realize how much of a pain it is to try and share our TV’s limited number of ports with all the devices we want to use. It’s an unfortunate reality that many TVs don’t come with enough HDMI ports for every device you want to connect. But luckily, there are modern solutions to this problem. An HDMI switcher is a great, affordable option that will give you up to seven more HDMI ports, so none of your devices are left out. It’s always a good idea to ensure you have more HDMI ports than you think you’ll need, even if you only have two or three devices that require an HDMI connection. That way, you won’t run into any port-scarcity problems in the future.

Purchase an HDMI Switch

If you're dealing with a lack of HDMI ports on your TV, don't worry, there's a solution. You can purchase an HDMI switch, which will add an extra HDMI port to your set. On an HDMI switch, there is one port into which you plug in the output cable. This output cable goes into your TV. Once you’ve done that, all that’s left for you to do is to plug in any additional device, whether it be a video game console or a streaming device. After plugging in your devices, you can select which connection you want to display on your TV, choosing between your connected devices directly from the box or remote control. This way, you don’t have to unplug any devices when you want to watch something else—you can simply switch them on the fly!

How Much Does an HDMI Switch Cost?

If you find yourself constantly needing to switch between devices, an HDMI switch may be the answer. They're easy to find and typically cost $10-$200 depending on how many ports they have and the quality and capability of the device. Still, they are easy to set up, and will save you a lot of hassle. We recommend the Monoprice 8-Port HDMI Switch; it's reliable, has great reviews, and is very affordable.

Uses for an HDMI Splitter

If you're dealing with a lack of HDMI ports on your TV, don't worry—you have options. One is an HDMI splitter. The terms HDMI switch and HDMI splitter are often used synonymously, but this is incorrect. An HDMI switch actually adds more HDMI ports to your TV or device, while a splitter takes one HDMI connection—for example, a streaming device—and can connect it to multiple viewing sources. So, if you have a TV in every room and want to be able to watch the same thing on each one, a splitter is the way to go. They're also helpful for space with numerous TVs that need to display the same content, like at a sports bar or gym. Just make sure you get an HDMI splitter that's compatible with your devices.

Conclusion:

No matter what manufacturer you buy your television from, chances are you will be limited to a certain number of HDMI ports. While this might not be a problem for some, others may find themselves struggling to connect all of their devices. In this case, the best solution is to purchase an HDMI switch. This small and affordable device can add up to five additional HDMI ports to your television, making it possible to connect all of your devices at once.